Due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, many individuals are staying at home to avoid catching or spreading the disease. This includes many gyms, where it is hard not to come into contact with objects other people have touched. If you are used to going to a fitness center, the following guide explores ways you can still stay active in the safety of your own home.

Why Staying Active Is Important

Staying active during this time is particularly crucial since COVID-19 has had a much more severe effect on those with compromised immune systems.

Moderate exercise will support a stronger immune system by flushing bacteria out of the lungs and airways, getting your antibodies and white blood cells moving so they can detect and fight illness earlier. Exercise also raises your body’s temperature to make it a more hostile environment for a virus.

Remaining active will also boost your mood during this difficult time. It’s easy to get “cabin fever” if you’re staying at home all day, not being able to socialize with other people or go places.

However, exercise naturally causes your body to produce feel-good hormones known as “endorphins,” which will help you maintain a positive outlook and fight stress.

What to Do

Fitness centers are open, but if you don’t feel comfortable going there yet, you can move around your own neighborhood to get some exercise in. Take your dog on a walk to the park, go for a jog through the neighborhood, or take the kids out for a bike ride. Just practice social distancing while doing so. This means staying at least six feet away from other people.  

If you’re uncomfortable going outdoors, there’s plenty you can do at home as well. Aim for 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity a day (walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, etc.). There are a lot of home fitness videos available on the internet that do not require any equipment; try some Pilates, yoga, or a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) bodyweight workout.

When the threat is gone, visit the Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Department with your family. Containing a fitness center and sports complex, this Pulaski County, AR, facility offers a wide variety of classes to get your blood pumping, as well as teams that you can join. See their class schedule on their website. Call (501) 982-4171 with any questions.